Jacksonian Era Quiz

Major Ideas

• Jackson's presidency involved South Carolina's tariff nullification, Indian Removal, and growing class tensions/rebellions.
• The Second Great Awakening influenced the temperance movement.
• Westward expansion impacted American society, leading to the Mexican-American War and impacting racism.
• The Mexican-American War led to the annexation of Texas, New Mexico, and California, and withdrawal from Mexico.

Jacksonian Era

• Andrew Jackson was president from 1829 to 1837, and the Jacksonian Era spanned roughly from 1829 to 1854.
• White male voting rights significantly increased during this era.
• Jackson was often portrayed as a champion of the common man, although the benefits were not universal.
• Jackson was a successful military officer.
• Lithography made Jackson's image widely recognized and disseminated.
• Previously, presidential candidates were selected by caucuses; now conventions were utilized for broader public input.
• Political campaigning became more significant during Jackson's presidency.
• Jackson's presidency occurred during Western expansion, altering regional priorities.
• The Jacksonian inauguration was marked with an unprecedented level of public participation, leading to a chaotic event.

Nullification, Jackson, and South Carolina

• The Tariffs of 1828 negatively impacted southern states.
• John C. Calhoun, Jackson's vice president, promoted nullification.
• Nullification supported the idea that states had greater power than the federal government.
• South Carolina feared that tariffs potentially could lead to a ban on slavery.
• Jackson threatened South Carolina with federal force to uphold federal law.
• Resolved through a compromise crafted by Henry Clay.

Indian Removal

• The forced removal of Native American tribes was a significant event.
• This event was seen as inevitable, given the power of the dominant race.
• Removal of Native Americans was controversial due to concerns regarding loss of culture and disregard for treaty obligations.

The Restless Pursuit of Wealth (1836)

• Daniel Webster argued against the actions of Andrew Jackson's administration.
• A speech outlining the impact and consequences of financial policies and social/political tensions.
• Speech given to a group focused on dissemination of knowledge.
• Social progress and economic issues were central concerns.

The Other Civil War

• Economic depressions, epidemics, and class tensions marked this period.
• Mass protests and riots occurred during economic hardship.
• Class disparity and labor unrest were significant factors affecting both immigrants and Americans of native birth.
• Women's involvement in labor and social movements was considerable.

Manifest Destiny

• The idea of Manifest Destiny, emphasizing westward expansion and American exceptionalism, was prevalent.
• The doctrine of Manifest Destiny, or Anglo Saxon superiority, was supported on grounds of God’s will.
• Expansionism and its inherent tensions were notable features of the era.
• Social and political tensions between racial groups and socioeconomic classes were heightened due to westward expansion.
• Religious motivations and social factors were intertwined in the context of expansion and development.

Texas Annexation

• Texas's independence from Mexico occurred from 1836-1846.
• The annexation of Texas sparked disputes and heightened tensions over slavery.
• Concerns about the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories were prominent.
• The Wilmot Proviso was a failed attempt to prevent the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories.